Houston—The $4.9-billion TDECU and $800-million Smart Financial Credit Union, have announced plans to merge.
The proposed merger is expected to be finalized by the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval and a member vote by Smart Financial, TDECU stated.
The combined organization with total assets of nearly $6 billion will serve more than 460,000 members across Texas with a branch network of 48 locations. TDECU President and CEO Isaac Johnson will lead the merged entity, while Smart Financial CEO LeAnn Kaczynski will remain with the organization as chief integration officer for a period of one year to oversee integration efforts and ensure a seamless transition for members and employees.
“Stronger together. This partnership isn’t just about growing. It’s about affirming what it means to be a credit union in today’s world by renewing our focus on efficiently delivering value and opportunity for our members and the communities we serve,” said Johnson. “Members are at the heart of everything we do, and by building a stronger, more resilient credit union, we can create greater prosperity for our combined memberships through expanded services, deeper community investment, and a commitment to innovation. This partnership with such a well-respected and dynamic credit union like Smart Financial is not just about scale – it’s about purpose.”
“Leading the team at Smart Financial, I have been proud to witness the results of their dedication and tireless efforts over the past several years to build it into a financial institution that is not only financially strong, but also fosters engagement with our people, members and communities,” Kaczynski said. “This merger is not a sudden development, but the result of conversations over several years.”